Hidden within the Old Royal Naval College stands the magnificent Chapel of St Peter and St Paul. Its beauty is breathtaking. This isn’t just any chapel. It’s a place steeped in history. A place where monarchs once worshipped.
The original Chapel Royal served the Palace of Placentia. Imagine Tudor royalty attending services here. Archaeological digs nearby unearthed artifacts from that original chapel. These relics now reside in the Visitor Centre. Queen Elizabeth I herself frequented this earlier chapel. She was a great lover of choral music. The same composers she enjoyed Thomas Tallis and William Byrd are still celebrated in today’s chapel.
This current chapel though is a masterpiece of neoclassical design. It was rebuilt in 1779 by James ‘Athenian’ Stuart. A devastating fire destroyed its predecessor. The chapel’s richly decorated ceiling is a wonder to behold. The stunning altarpiece painted by Benjamin West is simply awe-inspiring. West’s work depicts St Paul’s shipwreck on Malta. A snake bites Paul but he casts it into a fire. This scene resonated deeply with the sailors who worshipped here. It spoke of divine protection and the triumph over adversity. The chapel’s acoustics are exceptional thanks to its magnificent ceiling. Master plasterer John Papworth created this intricate work. He used a light blue and cream colour scheme inspired by Wedgwood.
The chapel’s Samuel Green organ is another highlight. Completed in 1789 it’s one of the largest instruments Green ever built. Its rich tone and mixture stops are still in use. The Spanish mahogany case is as beautiful as the organ itself. The chapel remains an active place of worship. It hosts regular services recitals and even concerts. It truly is one of the finest neo-classical interiors in existence. A beautiful and peaceful place to visit. A treasure of Greenwich. A piece of history waiting to be discovered.